Possible increase in output : If a robot efficiency of 70% to 80% (average) can be achieved, the
robot system will be able to do the work of 2 to 3 manual welders.
The output depends on the time it takes for the robot to weld one workpiece (cycle time) and the time
the system is in operation per shift / day.
Generally speaking, in manual welding, only 20% of the welders time is arcing time (time he actually welds) and 80% is
non-arcing time (when he is busy with other tasks like manipulating the work piece). An arc welding robot will weld for approx. 80% of its running time. 20% of the time will be spent
on air movements and searching routines.
If the cycle time is important to the manufacturing process, you will need a system with 2 or more external manipulators
(multi-station). This will allow the robot to weld one workpiece (external manipulator 1) while the operator is busy clamping (mounting) the workpiece into the fixture of the
second manipulator.
